Quick release extension shaft for socket wrenches

ABSTRACT

A push button quick release incorporated in extension shaft for socket wrenches. A modification to the conventional extension shaft comprises construction of an axial recess in the socket engaging end of the extension shaft and mounting in the recess spring, lever, and push button means to retract the locked socket engaging member or a spring loaded socket engaging ball. This mechanism effects a quick release of the socket from the extension shaft. Two species of the device are disclosed. The first comprises a release arm positioned in the axial recess pivoted over a fulcrum withdrawing the spring loaded socket retaining means responsive to pressure on a release button; the second embodiment employs a hairpin spring functioning as a spring lever combination for moving the socket retaining means into and out of engagement with the socket.

Penner Dec. 9, 1975 QUICK RELEASE EXTENSION SHAFT FOR SOCKET WRENCHES [76] Inventor: John Penner, P.O. Box 63, Byers,

Colo. 80103 [22] Filed: Oct. 21, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 516,283

[52] US. Cl 81/177 G; 279/79 [51] Int. Cl. B25B 13/00 [58] Field of Search 81/177 G, 184; 279/79; 403/326, 327, 328, 329

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,660,989 2/1928 Carpenter 81/177 G UX 2,008,367 7/1935 Rhinevault 81/177 G UX 2,162,359 6/l939 Rhinevault i 81/177 G UX 2,546,387 3/1951 Coffing 279/79 2,721,090 10/1955 Kaman 403/328 YI'I'II" [57] ABSTRACT A push button quick release incorporated in extension shaft for socket wrenches. A modification to the conventional extension shaft comprises construction of an axial recess in the socket engaging end of the extension shaft and mounting in the recess spring, lever, and push button means to retract the locked socket engaging member or a spring loaded socket engaging ball, This mechanism effects a quick release of the socket from the extension shaft. Two species of the device are disclosed. The first comprises a release arm positioned in the axial recess pivoted over a fulcrum withdrawing the spring loaded socket retaining means responsive to pressure on a release button; the second embodiment employs a hairpin spring functioning as a spring lever combination for moving the socket retaining means into and out of engagement with the socket 5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures US. Pamnt Dec. 9 1975 Sheet 1 of 2 3,924,493

Patent Dec. 9 1975 Sheet 2 of2 3,924,493

QUICK RELEASE EXTENSION SHAFT FOR SOCKET WRENCHES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an improved extension shaft for socket wrenches employing a push button quick release for a spring loaded socket engaging ball and for a related extension shaft for lock sockets incorporating a hairpin spring means operably associated with a lock socket engaging member.

2. Description of the Prior Art Various quick releases have been developed for socket wrenches such as your applicants US. Pat. No. 3,815,451. Other related prior art are US. Pat. Nos. 3,532,013 and 3,564,954. A related early concept is described in US. Pat. No. 1,660,989. To the best of the knowledge of your applicant no quick releases have heretofore been developed for extension shafts or locked sockets particularly suited for air driven impact wrenches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As previously alluded to, this invention involves two related concepts; an extension shaft incorporating a quick release ball socket retaining means and a lock socket type device utilizing a spring loaded pin lock socket engaging member. Either device incorporates a push button, quick release for engaging or releasing socket from the shaft.

One object was to develop a quick release ball socket retaining means employed in extension shafts for ratchet wrenches.

A second object was to develop an extension shaft for lock sockets incorporating a push button quick release device being suitable for utilization in combination with an impact wrench.

Other objects and advantages of the concept and its embodiment will be apparent from a study of the attached drawings and detailed description and claims.

FIG. 1 is an exterior view partially exploded of an extension shaft and socket ball retainer.

FIG. 2 is an exterior view partially exploded of an extension shaft for a locked socket employing the internal components of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the interior components of the device for FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmented sectional view of the lock socket engaging member adapted to be incorporated in the mechanism of FIG. 3. 9

FIG. 5 is a top view of the release arm incorporated in the lock socket device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an exterior view partially exploded of an extension shaft and lock socket for impact wrenches incorporating hairpin spring loaded components.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the device of FIG. 6 illustrating the interior components.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the lock socket engaging member of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the release button incorporated in the device of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT For a detailed description of the construction of the species of the device employing a release arm 18 oper- 2 ating over a fulcrum 19, your attention is invited to FIGS. 1-5.

The device is constructed by machining in the socket l1 engaging end of the extension shaft 10 an axial recess 12 into which the movable components are variously mounted. Machined in the extension shaft 10 projecting through the axial recess 12 is a diagonal release slot 13. Release button 17 is movably positioned in the diagonal release slot 13. The release button 17 could be of one diameter or of a larger diameter through one wall of the extension shaft and a smaller diameter in the opposite wall. The release button 17 is accordingly constructed with a diameter compatible with the diameter of the diagonal release slot 13. The release arm 18 operates over a fulcrum 19; a method of construction found satisfactory was to machine the small fulcrum detent 14 in one wall of the extension shaft 10 and secure a steel ball in the detent 14 to constitute a fulcrum 19.

In the structure of FIG. 1 a ball aperture 20 was formed in the socket drive stud 16 of the extension shaft 10. A socket engaging ball 21 was mounted in the ball aperture 20 and spring loaded with engaging spring 22.

To adopt the mechanism of FIGS. 1-5 to a lock socket configuration, the ball socket retaining means in the extension shaft 10 is constructed in the configuration of FIG. 4, and constitutes a transverse slot 15 into which is mounted a lock socket engaging member 26. This structure comprises a lock socket engaging pin 27 and a lock socket cylinder 28. At the top of cylinder 28 is constructed a tack head shaped structure designated as a release arm slot engager 29 which operably fits in and engages the release cylinder arm slot 23 and release arm 18 of FIG. 4. The assembly of the structure of FIG. 1 employs a spring loaded ball 21 in a ball aperture 20 on the extension shaft 10. The incorporation of structure of FIGS. 4 and 5 converts the device of FIG. 1 to the locked socket configuration of FIG. 2.

For a description of the construction of the configuration of the device incorporating a hairpin spring 31 member your attention is particularly invited to FIGS. 6-9. An axial recess 12 must be constructed in the extension shaft 10 and various components mounted therein in a general configuration as previously recited. The release button 17 is mounted in the diagonal release slot 13, and a lock socket engaging member 26 in the transverse slot 15 as illustrated in FIG. 7. In this configuration the enclosed structure operates in combination with the hairpin spring 31. For the detailed construction your attention is invited to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. Release button 17 is constructed with release button spring slot 32 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The preferred embodiment incorporated a release pressure point 33 in the configuration of FIG. 7. The segments of the hairpin spring 31 have specific functions and configuration, the lower extremity of FIG. 7 illustrates the hairpin spring base 34 terminating adjacent lock socket engaging member 26. Spring 31 projects to the interior of shaft 10 an arcuate section constituting the hairpin spring are 35 then projects along the opposite side of the axial recess toward the socket engaging drive stud 16. This section of spring 31 is the hairpin spring arm 36 and terminates in the hairpin spring ball hook 37. The detailed structure of these components is best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and The locked socket engaging cylinder 28 is constructed with a lock socket engaging member hairpin slot 38 into which is formed a lock socket engaging member ball recess 39. To retain the combination in assembly a spring retaining ball 40 is used and the final assembly may be enclosed in the extension shaft with a dust cover 41. The primary function of ball 40 is to prevent the hairpin spring 31 from moving further than desired into the axial recess 12.

In assembling the device of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 release button 17 is placed in diagonal release slot 13. In the initial construction of the extension shaft in this embodiment fulcrum 19 is placed in or secured to fulcrum detent 14 and socket engaging ball 21 is positioned in ball aperture 20. At this stage of construction the release arm 18 is positioned in the axial recess 12 engaging release arm slot 42 formed in release button 17. After this contact is secured the positioning of the engaging spring 22 spring loading release arm 12 against socket engaging ball 21 functionally assembles the device. To enclosed the assembly dust cover 41 may be positioned in the end of the axial recess 12.

In assembly of the device of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 in a lock socket configuration procedures are quite similar; however, in assembly lock socket engaging member 26 of FIG. 5 is placed in the position of socket engaging ball 21 and in positioning the release arm 18 care must be exercised to place the release arm slot engager 29 in operable engagement with the release cylinder arm slot 23 of FIG. 5. When this is accomplished the insertion of engaging spring 22 into the axial recess 12 spring loading lock socket engaging member 26 assembles the device in an operable configuration. The securing of dust cover 41 in the axial recess 12 completes the assembly.

In assembly of the device of FIG. 7 substantially the following procedure is employed. The release button 17 is positioned in the diagonal release slot 13 and a lock socket engaging member 26 is placed in the transverse slot 15. Care must be exercised to insure that the release button spring slot 32 and the lock socket engaging hairpin slot 38 is aligned along the axis of the extension shaft 10. Hairpin spring 37 may then be inserted into the axial recess 12 just short of complete insertion of the hairpin spring 31 spring retaining ball 40 is inserted in the lock socket engaging member ball recess 39 at which point the hairpin spring 31 is inserted into the axial recess 12 until hairpin spring ball hook 37 is snug against retaining ball 40. At this stage of assembly the securing of the dust cover 41 in the end of axial recess 12 completes the assembly of the configuration of the device illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

OPERATION OF THE DEVICE The operation of the device of this invention is selfevidenced in that an examination of the drawings in conjunction with the description will make it self evident that pressure on the release button 17 results in a retracting of the lock socket engaging member 26 releasing the lock socket 11 and that the result is comparable in retracting socket engaging ball 21 into ball aperture 20. In any and all configurations of the device pressure on the release button 17 releases the socket 1 1 from socket drive stud 16 on extension shaft 10.

Having described the invention in two configurations, what is desired to be claimed is all embodiments of the invention and modifications and adaptations not departing from the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A quick release extension shaft for socket wrenches comprising:

a. an elongated shaft,

b. an axial recess formed internally of said extension shaft projecting substantially along the axis of said extension shaft,

c. a socket drive stud formed in one end of said extension shaft,

d. a socket retaining means projecting from said socket drive stud, said socket retaining means further comprising:

l. a transverse slot projecting into said socket drive stud,

2. a lock socket engaging member mounted in said transverse slot,

3. said lock socket engaging member including a lock socket engaging pin projecting from the surface of said socket drive stud, and

4. a spring urging said lock socket engaging pin outward of said socket drive stud in a manner adapted to engage a lock socket,

e. a release button projecting from said extension shaft, said release button projecting into said axial recess, and

f. an arm mechanically interconnecting said release button and said socket retaining means retracting said socket retaining means responsive to pressure applied to said release button.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said arm mechanically connecting said release button and said socket retaining means is:

a. a release arm pivoted over a b. fulcrum.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said arm mechanically connecting said release button and said socket retaining means is:

a. a hairpin spring arm.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said arm mechanically interconnecting said release button and said socket retaining means comprises:

a. a hairpin spring including a hairpin spring base, a

hairpin arc, and a hairpin spring arm,

b. said hairpin spring projecting through a release button spring slot formed in said release button,

c. a hairpin spring slot constructed in said lock socket engaging member, said hairpin spring projecting through said hairpin spring slot,

d. a hairpin ball hook formed in an end of said hairpin spring,

e. a lock socket engaging member ball recess constructed in said lock socket engaging member, and

f. a ball positioned in said recess securing said hairpin spring adjacent said socket engaging member.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein said arm mechanically interconnecting said release button and said socket retaining means is:

a. a release arm including a release arm slot,

b. a release arm slot engager projecting from said socket retaining means engaging said slot, said release arm pivotally mounted over a fulcrum in such a manner as to withdraw said socket retaining means into said socket drive stud responsive to pressure on said release button. 

1. A quick release extension shaft for socket wrenches comprising: a. an elongated shaft, b. an axial recess formed internally of said extension shaft projecting substantially along the axis of said extension shaft, c. a socket drive stud formed in one end of said extension shaft, d. a socket retaining means projecting from said socket drive stud, said socket retaining means further comprising:
 1. a transverse slot projecting into said socket drive stud,
 2. a lock socket engaging member mounted in said transverse slot,
 3. said lock socket engaging member including a lock socket engaging pin projecting from the surface Of said socket drive stud, and
 4. a spring urging said lock socket engaging pin outward of said socket drive stud in a manner adapted to engage a lock socket, e. a release button projecting from said extension shaft, said release button projecting into said axial recess, and f. an arm mechanically interconnecting said release button and said socket retaining means retracting said socket retaining means responsive to pressure applied to said release button.
 2. a lock socket engaging member mounted in said transverse slot,
 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said arm mechanically connecting said release button and said socket retaining means is: a. a release arm pivoted over a b. fulcrum.
 3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said arm mechanically connecting said release button and said socket retaining means is: a. a hairpin spring arm.
 3. said lock socket engaging member including a lock socket engaging pin projecting from the surface Of said socket drive stud, and
 4. a spring urging said lock socket engaging pin outward of said socket drive stud in a manner adapted to engage a lock socket, e. a release button projecting from said extension shaft, said release button projecting into said axial recess, and f. an arm mechanically interconnecting said release button and said socket retaining means retracting said socket retaining means responsive to pressure applied to said release button.
 4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said arm mechanically interconnecting said release button and said socket retaining means comprises: a. a hairpin spring including a hairpin spring base, a hairpin arc, and a hairpin spring arm, b. said hairpin spring projecting through a release button spring slot formed in said release button, c. a hairpin spring slot constructed in said lock socket engaging member, said hairpin spring projecting through said hairpin spring slot, d. a hairpin ball hook formed in an end of said hairpin spring, e. a lock socket engaging member ball recess constructed in said lock socket engaging member, and f. a ball positioned in said recess securing said hairpin spring adjacent said socket engaging member.
 5. The invention of claim 1 wherein said arm mechanically interconnecting said release button and said socket retaining means is: a. a release arm including a release arm slot, b. a release arm slot engager projecting from said socket retaining means engaging said slot, said release arm pivotally mounted over a fulcrum in such a manner as to withdraw said socket retaining means into said socket drive stud responsive to pressure on said release button. 